Al-Shabaab, global peace feature in Duale meeting with US counterpart Austin

Kenya and the United States have agreed to enhance security collaboration following a meeting between Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin at the Pentagon on Wednesday.

During the meeting, officials discussed the longstanding partnership between the two nations, with a focus on shared security goals and addressing common threats.

Kenya’s strategic significance in a volatile region and its pivotal role in fostering regional peace and stability were key focal points during the discussions between Austin and Aden.

The leaders also discussed shared values and mutual trust in intelligence sharing, maritime security, and the fight against terrorism.

Austin said Kenya is a key strategic partner in addressing shared threats and advancing security in East Africa.

“Kenya has long been one of our most important security partners in Africa, and our recent discussions underscore the strength of our defence cooperation framework,” he said.

Austin who expressed condolences for the recent gas explosion tragedy in Nairobi commended Kenya's vital role in various diplomatic, security initiatives and peacekeeping efforts.

He highlighted Kenya's essential contributions to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), the fight against Al-Shabaab, and participation in Operation Prosperity Guardian, aimed at strengthening Red Sea security.

“Our partnership with Kenya is critical in tackling shared threats and advancing security not only in East Africa but beyond,” he said.

Aden appreciated the support from the US, including training opportunities, equipment provision, and intelligence sharing, in their joint efforts against terrorism.

“Our cooperation is fundamental not only in addressing immediate security challenges but also in shaping a long-term strategic alliance for regional and global stability,” he said.

He said Kenya remains committed to global peace, evidenced by its stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and participation in Operation Prosperity Guardian.

The discussions in the Pentagon also involved talks on strategic alliance, mutual trust, shared values, and common defence objectives between the two countries.

The US continues to benefit from facility access agreements that enable it to use critical access to Kenya’s air and port facilities.

In September, Aden and Austin signed a joint Defence Cooperation Framework in Nairobi. This agreement facilitates access and status of force, providing the US with entry to crucial air and post facilities in Kenya.

Effective from 2023 to 2028, the Framework aims to enhance collaboration between Kenya and the US in defence technology, innovation, counter-terrorism, counter-violent extremism, joint training, and maritime security. This strategic cooperation is designed to empower both militaries to effectively address the continuously evolving security challenges.

“Our ability to deter threats, combat global terrorism, and provide humanitarian assistance is significantly enhanced through our close partnership with Kenya,” said Austin

Both leaders affirmed their commitment to ongoing cooperation, addressing immediate security challenges, and shaping a long-term strategic alliance for regional and global peace and stability.